The 10 Best Midi Mixers For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best Midi Mixers
Best Midi Mixers

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: AKAI Professional Fire Matrix

The AKAI Professional Fire Matrix is the perfect music production essential for FL Studio users. This dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller for FL Studio DAW platform provides seamless plug-and-play connectivity with your computer. Read Review

2. Runner Up: AKAI Professional APC Mini Mixer

The AKAI Professional APC Mini Mixer is the perfect companion for Ableton Live users. The intuitive layout of this compact, lightweight mixer features nine faders that are automatically mapped to the eight Macro Controls of Ableton Live’s selected device. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Tascam Model 12 Mixer

The Tascam Model 12 Mixer is a powerful and versatile audio mixing solution for any home studio. It features 12 inputs and 10 outputs, allowing you to connect to any USB audio interface for digital audio workstation (DAW) connectivity. Read Review

4. Best Technology: PreSonus StudioLive Digital Mixer

The PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 Digital Mixer is the perfect way to take your music production to the next level. With its intuitive, user friendly design, this mixer offers crystal clear sound quality and powerful features that will bring out the best in your recordings. Read Review

Are you looking for the best midi mixers on the market? If so, you have come to the right place. A midi mixer is an essential tool for any music producer or DJ. It can take your music to the next level, allowing you to create amazing mixes easily. With so many options available, knowing which is the best choice for your needs can be difficult.

That's why we've put together this guide to the best midi mixers on the market so you can make an informed decision. We'll start by looking at the features of a midi mixer before exploring the top midi mixers available today. We'll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your midi mixer so that you can produce the best mixes possible. So, let's get started and find the perfect midi mixer for your needs.

We think the best midi mixers is AKAI Professional Fire Matrix. With this midi mixer, you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! You can also check out the AKAI Professional APC Mini Mixer. To help you find the best fit for your needs, we've put up a purchasing guide and shown other great options for you to consider.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 AKAI Professional Fire Matrix
Our Score:
9.7
AKAI

This device is a dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller designed specifically for the FL Studio DAW platform, ensuring seamless plug-and-play connectivity. It revolutionizes the workflow with 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, enabling users to create patterns effortlessly in the step sequencer and record notes or synth parts using the pad-based MIDI keyboard controller in Performance mode. Beat production becomes a breeze with the MPC Style 16-pad layout in Drum Mode, transforming Fire into an essential beat maker.

For maximum tweak-ability, this device features four banks of assignable Touch-Capacitive MIDI knobs and encoders. These controls allow users to take charge of the Mixer, Channel, and custom User-Assignable mappings, unleashing a world of creative possibilities. The controller enhances navigation with dedicated controls that enable instant access to the Channel Rack, Browser, Toolbar, and Playlist windows. Additionally, the OLED display provides clear feedback, allowing users to browse audio and project files with ease. However, navigating its menu may require practice. 

TOP Choice #2 AKAI Professional APC Mini Mixer
Our Score:
9.6
AKAI

The APC Mini MK2 is a complete control MIDI controller specially designed for Ableton Live, making it an excellent choice for creative looping, mixing, home studio, and live performances. It seamlessly connects to Ableton Live, allowing users to take full control over their studio equipment. With Ableton Live Lite included, you can capture ideas, perform live, record, mix, and unleash their creativity with ease.

Featuring a bright 8x8 RGB pad matrix, the APC Mini MK2 boasts 64 RGB pads that provide visual color feedback when launching clips in Ableton Live. These pads allow you to trigger everything from loops to vocals and melodic samples, offering instant creative possibilities. Additionally, the MIDI controller comes with 9 assignable faders, including 8 assignable faders and 1 master fader, which can be instantly mapped to Ableton Live's mixer for hands-on control over volume, pan, or devices. You can also utilize the Device mode to control Ableton macros. Unfortunately, its light may be a bit thin. 

TOP Choice #3 Tascam Model 12 Mixer
Our Score:
9.4
Tascam

The 12 in / 10 Out USB Audio Interface offers seamless DAW connectivity, making it a powerful tool for musicians, producers, and audio engineers. With its click output featuring TAP TEMPO functionality, users can easily synchronize their audio with precise timing. The onboard MIDI functionality further enhances its versatility, allowing users to integrate MIDI instruments and controllers effortlessly.

Equipped with a 1-knob compressor and 3-band EQ on all input modules, this audio interface ensures optimal audio quality by providing dynamic control and tonal shaping capabilities. Musicians can achieve professional-level sound adjustments with ease. Additionally, the dual headphone output with individual volume and source selection allows for flexible monitoring options, catering to multiple users or different monitoring needs. Nonetheless, its documentation could be better. 

4 PreSonus StudioLive Digital Mixer
Our Score:
9.2
PreSonus

The 16-channel audio mixer boasts an impressive array of features, making it a versatile and powerful tool for professional audio production. With 8 mono and 4 stereo channel inputs, each equipped with 60mm faders, users can easily control and adjust audio levels with precision. The 12 Class A XMAX solid-state mic preamplifiers ensure top-notch audio quality, providing clarity and warmth to recordings.

For enhanced control and creative possibilities, the mixer includes 4 auxiliary buses with pre/post-fader send and 2 internal FX buses with 32-bit digital effects processors. Musicians and sound engineers can add depth and dimension to their audio with ease. The Fat Channel signal processing on all channels and buses includes a 3-band semi-parametric EQ, compressor, downward expander, and limiter, allowing users to sculpt their sound to perfection. The minor downside of this device is that its USB driver may not be well compatible for Windows 10.

5 Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 2-channel Mixer
Our Score:
9.0
Pioneer DJ

The 2-channel DJ Mixer with Dual USB Audio Interfaces is a powerful and versatile tool designed to meet the demands of professional DJs. With its dual USB audio interfaces, it offers seamless switching between two computers for smooth and uninterrupted transitions. This feature is perfect for DJs who need to manage multiple sources or collaborate with another DJ during performances.

The mixer boasts 16 performance pads with effects controls for Serato DJ, giving DJs access to a wide range of creative effects and tools to enhance their mixes. These performance pads allow for quick and intuitive control over loops, samples, hot cues, and more, adding a layer of dynamism to every set. In addition to its exceptional DJ performance capabilities, the mixer also comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. This feature enables DJs to wirelessly connect and play music from their smartphones, tablets, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Unfortunately, its manual instructions could be better. 

6 PreSonus ATOM Mixer
Our Score:
8.8
PreSonus

The product features 6 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, allowing users to express their creativity with dynamic and nuanced performances. These pads are backlit with RGB LEDs, providing visual feedback and enhancing the overall user experience with colorful illumination. Additionally, the device includes 4 endless rotary knobs along with a setup button, enabling users to have precise control over various parameters and settings.

With its song, event, navigation, instrument, and transport controls, this product offers a comprehensive solution for navigating and controlling digital audio workstations and music production software. Whether it's navigating through tracks, triggering events, controlling instruments, or managing transport functions, this device streamlines the workflow and ensures seamless and efficient music production. The only minor downside of this device is that it may be a bit complicated to use. 

7 AKAI Professional MIDImix
Our Score:
8.6
AKAI

Complete Mix Control - Lightweight, compact and robust ultra-portable MIDI mixer / DAW controller seamlessly maps all mixer settings to your DAW with a single push of a button

Get Hands-On - 16 buttons arranged in 2 banks provide mute, solo and record arm functionality per channel

Mixdown Essentials - 8 individual line faders and 1 master fader for controlling track volume, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more

Assignable Control - 24 knobs, arranged 3 per channel for controlling EQ, bus sends, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more

Effortless Ableton Live Integration - Instant 1 to 1 mapping with Ableton Live (Ableton Live Lite included)

8 Teenage engineering TX–6 Mixer
Our Score:
8.4
Teenage Engineering

FIRMWARE UPGRADEABLE - Make sure to download the latest firmware of TX-6 Field Mixer from teenage engineering's download page.

CONNECTS WIRELESSLY TO MIDI DEVICES - You can connect your Bluetooth-enabled MIDI devices with TX-6. The Field Mixer utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy. You can even sync with multiple TX-6 units.

CONNECTS TO 6 STEREO OR 12 MONO SOURCES - The teenage engineering TX-6 Field Mixer is a powerful 6-channel pro-mixer packed in an ultra-portable size. You can set up the six 3.5mm audio inputs individually as mono, stereo, or split L+R.

9 StreamEye Rode RODECaster Pro II
Our Score:
7.9
StreamEye

Dual USB-C interfaces for connecting two computers or mobile devices

Includes ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack for professional sounding podcasts

Eight fully programmable SMART pads with bank switching

10 Tascam Model 12 Mixer
Our Score:
7.7
Tascam

1-knob compressor and 3 band EQ installed on all input modules

Dual headphone output with individual volume and source selection

Click Output with TAP TEMPO

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best midi mixers?

Different considerations must be taken during the shopping process. Study resources are obtained in a wide variety of ways. Thus, our staff is all here to lend a helping hand, advice, and solutions to your issues.

Please take a closer examination of the features below and that would be beneficial before your purchase of best midi mixers: 

Portability

If you are looking to bring your mixers with you, portable mixers will be the best choice. Mixers that are too small may not be the most efficient. Larger mixers are also more portable. Mixers are often required to transport large shows between venues. You probably know exactly what mixer you require if you are looking for large and portable mixers.
A smaller mixer is more convenient and portable in most situations. A mixer that has less than 16 channels is best if you are concerned about portability. While 16 channels are not an exact rule, they represent the compromise between small and large mixers. Make sure your mixer is protected and has a strong chassis. Mixers can even come with knobs or faders that have very delicate settings. This is important!

Buses

Mixers can transmit at most one mix to the stage. Auxiliary buses, also known as "aux buses", are used to do this. Every channel has a level controller for each aux send. By setting individual aux-send levels on any channel you wish to hear in your mix, you can build your own monitor mix. An aux bus output can be used to connect an in-ear or stage monitor. You can make a number of different monitor mixes if you only use aux busses for monitoring. Aux buses can be mono so two aux buses will be required to create a stereo mix of monitors for your in-ear system. Consider your requirements.

Connection Types

It's not enough to be able to identify the sources that you will connect to your mixer. A mixer that has enough preamps for microphones is a good choice if you intend to connect them primarily. To reduce the number of direct boxes, ensure that your mixer includes at least one line input if you intend to connect line-level sources.

EQ

A great audio mixer should have an equalizer section. A simple, three-band equalizer is fine. However, there are times when it is helpful to have more precise EQ options, e.g. when working with live music and nuances. A Graphic EQ, however, will help you achieve the best tone possible because it covers a wider range of frequencies.

Inserts And Direct Outputs

Channel inserts can be used to add outboard processors, such as equalizers or compressors, to channels. The channel insert point can be found right after the preamplifier in its signal flow. It may use individual send or return jacks, but only one 1/4" insert jack. This requires an insert cable. Direct outputs, on the other hand, send only a portion of the preamplifier signal from the board. This makes them ideal for individual feeds to external recorders or audio interfaces.

Analog Or Digital

There are generally two types of mixers: digital and analog. Analog mixers use electrical circuits and filters. Digital mixers convert the analog signal to digital audio data which is then sent to an onboard processing unit. The signal is then converted back into the analog domain and sent to personal monitor systems or speakers. Both mixers will offer basic levels and pan control. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to each type. An analog mixer is more cost-effective and easier to use, while digital mixers are more complicated but provide more functionality. This will be discussed in greater detail below.

Channel Count

Frame size, also known as channel count, is the number of sources that can be attached to a mixer's input channels simultaneously. A 24-channel mixer, for example, will let you connect 24 sources simultaneously, but there might be other inputs such as Talkback and Tape. A few smaller consoles can provide stereo channels as well as mono channels. Even though they are part of the same channel, stereo channels count as two inputs. It is crucial to remember this when making your choice.

Compatibility

The mixer must be compatible with your software. You will have problems recording or running a live performance if the software is not compatible. To ensure that the mixer is compatible with DAWs, it's important to verify compatibility during the search. It must be connected to a USB port on your computer. Without a USB interface, your DAW might not function. Although it is unlikely, it is better to be safe that sorry.

FAQs

How do I connect a MIDI mixer to my computer?

To connect a MIDI mixer to your computer, you will need to use either a USB or MIDI cable. Both cables will connect the MIDI mixer to your computer’s sound card, allowing you to record and mix audio from the connected devices.

What is a MIDI Mixer?

A MIDI mixer is a device that connects MIDI devices together and allows for the control of various aspects of the instruments and sounds connected to it. It is used to mix audio signals from multiple sources and control the volume, panning, and other parameters. It can also be used to route MIDI signals between devices.

What are the benefits of using a MIDI mixer?

Using a MIDI mixer provides great flexibility and control over your setup. You can control the level of each instrument or sound source individually and the overall mix. You can also route MIDI signals between devices, enabling you to manage multiple devices from one controller.

What is the difference between a MIDI mixer and an audio mixer?

A MIDI mixer is designed to mix MIDI signals, while an audio mixer is designed to mix audio signals. MIDI mixers can also control the parameters of various instruments, while audio mixers are primarily used to mix audio signals from multiple sources.

When the latest info related to best midi mixers comes available, we will update it as soon as possible. Please check our websites frequently for the most up-to-date research data.

Our team is able to support you with many problems, even the out of best midi mixers. If you require support with your issues, please do not hesitate to contact us.


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.